A Job for the United Nations

The Bush Administration wants to win in Afghanistan. Although, by the government’s original criterion, it won this spring when the Soviet Union withdrew its troops, nonetheless the Adminstration does not yet feel like a winner. It wants to see Najibullah, the Soviet choice for national leader, fall and the rebels rise.

Under the circumstances, a lust for victory is dangerous. It jeopardizes a political settlement in the region and could even backfire and hurt the Administration-supported moujahedeen guerrillas.

As the Soviets were pulling out in February, the moujahedeen convened a traditional tribal council in Peshawar and formed a council of ministers which they declared Afghanistan’s government-in-exile. They hoped that a swift military victory following the Soviet pullout would sweep them into Kabul’s government offices. Four months later they are still in Peshawar or in camps, not much closer to Kabul than they ever were.

The United Nations is quietly lobbying for talks among all interested parties, including the current regime and the former king. It hopes to organize an election in which the country as a whole can have a voice in Afghanistan’s future.

The task is difficult. None of the various parties enjoy the support of a majority within the country. The people of Afghanistan have good reason to distrust all of the factions: Najibullah and the moujahedeen both bear the taint of complicity with a foreign power; the king bears the stain of years of repressive rule and the shame of defeat and exile. A coalition or compromise among some or all of them is unavoidable if a stable or lasting political arrangement is to be found.

Moscow seems to have accepted this, dropping hints that it is willing to see Najibullah step down as long as his People’s Democratic Party is allowed to participate in a new government. Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto hinted during her Washington visit that Pakistan would like to see the United Nations start up negotiations.

If only Washington were as sensible. The United States insists that the moujahedeen’s council serve as the nucleus for a transitional government and supports its refusal to deal or even talk with Najibullah. The Administration says that the communists must go in order to “clear the ground” for a political settlement. When The Times asked President Bush this week whether it was time to consider talks, he replied, “Not for the United States. Not for our Administration.”

Ironically in light of all the support the United States has sent the rebels, it would not be in Washington’s interest to see the current government-in-exile installed in Kabul, even if it enjoyed popular support. Like the Soviets, the United States needs peace and stability in the region. The rebels are too divided among themselves and too concerned about which of them would be named president to be a viable government on their own. They are good leaders of their troops and their regions. They may not be so competent on the world stage.

The best hope for peace in the region is a settlement negotiated by the United Nations.